List of modern Korean festivals

For older or historical observances in Korea see traditional festivals of Korea.

Many new festivals have originated in South Korea in response to the country's tourism initiatives. Contributing to this growth is a gradual change to a five-day work week and greater leisure.^[1]^[2] In 2013, over 700 festivals were held in the country,^[3] with this number likely to rise.

Seoul

Seoul Lantern Festival

2011 Seoul lantern festival

Lantern boats, 2014 festival

Region: Around Cheonggyecheon,^[4] accessible by Seoul Subway Line 1, Jonggak Station, or Seoul Subway Line 2, City Hall Station (Seoul).
Date (Schedule): From first week of November to third week of November, approximately
History: The festival was held in 2009 for the first time in Seoul along the restored Cheonggyecheon stream. During 12 days, over 520,000 people visited this festival. The next year, in 2010, the main theme was 'Seoul, Forest of Life for Hope'. Compared to the previous year, the number of visitors quadrupled. Foreign reporters who were visiting Korea for the G20 Seoul Summit reported on the festival. With some success, in 2011 its name was changed from the Seoul World Lantern Festival to the Seoul Lantern Festival and the theme was "Stories of Seoul's Past through Lanterns Plus"; there was again rapid growth, a 24% rise in the number of total visitors. In 2012 "a glimpse into Seoul's roots and the daily life of Korean Ancestors" was the main theme.
Other similar festivals: Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival ^[5]
Special activities: Visitors can climb up the Seoul City Wall, set afloat lanterns of hope, create traditional lanterns, and can buy traditional Korean paper lanterns with a discount promotion.^[6]
Official Homepage : http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&art_id=58485&lang=en&m=0004021001001&p=21

Seoul International Fireworks Festival

Region: Yeouido Han River park.^[7] / Subway - Seoul Subway Line 5 Yeouinaru Station exit 1
Date: October, September (Still unconfirmed)
History: From 2000 on, this festival has been held annually in Yeouido (except for 2001 due to the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States), 2006 (because of nuclear tests in North Korea), and 2009 (because of concerns about Influenza A virus subtype H1N1). In 2000 this festival was held for the first time with four countries represented: South Korea, the United States, Japan and China, with each team making its own show every Saturday. In 2002 the festival was designated as a formal festival for World Cup, and all five teams attended the festival: Australia, the United States, Japan, China, Italy and South Korea. In 2003's team were South Korea, Australia, Japan and China. In 2004's team were Australia, South Korea, China, and Italy. 2005's team were South Korea, the United States, China, and Italy. In 2007 only three countries, South Korea, the United States, and Japan attended. In 2008 only two countries, South Korea and Hong Kong, took part; however, In 2010 South Korea, Canada, and China attended. In 2011 Portugal joined South Korea and Japan. More recently in 2012 South Korea, Italy, the United States and China attended.^[8]
Other similar festivals: There is another fireworks festival in Haeundae, Busan.^[9] Visitors can have a picnic in the park while waiting for the start with family or friends.

Seoul Spring Flower Festival

Cherry blossom festival

Region: Yeouido // Behind the National Assembly, also called Yoonjoong-ro.^[10] People can access Seoul Subway Line 5 Yeouinaru Station, Seoul Subway Line 9 National Assembly Station, Seoul Subway Line 2 Dangsan Station.
Date: Early April depending on the blooming of the cherry blossoms
History: The festival was first started in 2005, and since then every year from approximately the middle of April to the end this festival is held in Yeouido.
Other similar festivals: There are many similar festivals in Korea because cherry blossoms were planted in many places in South Korea. The origin of cherry blossoms is contested, with some arguing they originate in Japan, though Koreans claim the local variety is native.^[11] The blossom festival at Jinhae Gunhangje is one of the most popular flower festivals in South Korea. The 51st annual festival was held in Jinhae in April 2013.
Special activities: There are singing contests, photo exhibitions, small band concerts, and so on.^[12]
Official homepage: http://tour.ydp.go.kr/Story/st_toursch_view.asp?idx=105&pid=02

Seoul Eulalia Festival

Region: Worldcup Park which is in Mapo District. Worldcup Park was finished in 2002 while Korea readied for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. It was originally a landfill of Seoul but the place was re-purposed as a park and stadium and a variety of trees and plants were planted. The festival can be reached by Seoul Subway Line 6 World Cup Stadium Station.
Date: Every October
History: The festival has been held since 2002 when the park was made. The park usually prohibits entry after sunset, but during the festival people can enter until 10 pm.
Other similar festival: Hwawangsan Eulalia Festival^[13]
Special activities: Walking around the park, small amateur saxophone concerts, and so on.
Official Homepage : http://worldcuppark.seoul.go.kr/guide/pampas_1.html

Gyeonggi Province

Goyang International Flower Festival

Took from flower festival

Region / Traffic: ilsan Lake Park / Seoul Subway Line 3 Jeongbalsanstaion.
Date (Schedule): Every Spring of 3 years. (It was held between last April 27 and May 12)
History: This festival having held from 1997. Every 3 years with a different theme, this festival greets their tourists. The first festival was held in 1997 and its theme was 'Flower meeting Human'. Over 20 countries attended this festival. The second festival was held in 2000 and its theme was 'Collaboration between Human and Flower'. All 39 countries attended this festival. The third festival was held in 2003 and its theme was 'Delight Human as Flower'. Two less countries attended this festival in contrast with the last festival. The next festival was held in 2006 and its theme was 'One world with Flower'. 27 countries attended at that time but over 100 companies from South Korea attended. The fifth festival was held in 2009. Its theme was 'On-nuri, Ggot-nuri, which meaning 'Whole over the world with flower'. 24 countries attended this festival in 2009. Latest festival was held in 2012, themed with 'World flower parade'. In total, 40 countries attended this festival ^[14]
Other similar Festival : Anmyeondo Korea Floritopia.^[15]
Special activity or things you can do: There are lots of things to do in this festival. Not only look around over hundreds of kinds of flowers but also tourists can buy flowers at reasonable prices. Moreover, make one's own vase, make some accessory with flowers such as key rings, notes, etc.
Official Homepage: http://www.flower.or.kr/main/main.php

Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale

Region / Traffic: Gyeonggi Icheon / Tourist have to take their car or express bus from Seoul, Address : 389, Gwango-dong, Icheoncity, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
Date (Schedule): It will be held in 2014 from 28 September to 17 November (during 51 days).
History: This festival has lasted 27 years with various what we called Yo-Jang which is named for a ceramic factory. This city was designated by UNESCO as one of the creative cities in the world in 2010.^[16]^[17] For over 20 years, this festival became one of the famous festivals in Korea. From Bronze Age, Icheon was a village where people make variety kinds of ceramics.^[18] For this reason, this city dwellers have made ceramics for a long time naturally.
Other similar festival: Gwangju Ceramic for king festival.^[19]^[20]
Special activity or things you can do: Kids can make their own ceramic with a master of ceramic making and they also are able to play with soil for ceramic. Plus, tourists can buy some ceramics for kitchen dishes, lay-out, exhibition and other purposes.
Official Homepage: http://www.ceramic.or.kr/index.jsp

Jarasum International Jazz Festival

Region / Traffic:
Date (Schedule):
History:
Other similar festival:
Special activity or things you can do:
Official Homepage:

South Chungcheong Province

The Great Admiral Yisunsin Festival

Yi Sun-sin 5

Region / Traffic: Around Onyang hot spring spare and downtown ^[21] / Subway - Seoul Subway Line 1 Onyang hot spring Station
Date (Schedule): 4/26~4/28
History : This is the Asan cultural tourism festival. This festival is held to celebrate Yisunsin's great achievement of overcoming national crisis. This event is held every year before or after his birthday to imbue the mind with patriotic spirit.
Other similar festival: Celebrating the Birth of Great Admiral Yi Sun-shin Festival ^[22]
Special activity or things you can do: You can see the celebration concert, parade, the military service examination revival performance, and so on.
Official Homepage: http://culture.asan.go.kr/_esunshin/

Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival

Region / Traffic: Around Buyeo-gun Seodong park ^[23]
Date (Schedule): 7/18~7/21
History : Buyeo is the final capital of Bekjae. In Buyeo, lotus flowers in July. Lotus festival is held to pay tribute to the love of good Seon Wha Princess Youth and Seo Dong at a later date, became King Mu. The Seodong Park is the place of the festival. The festival's landscape (flowers of various lotus) has a stark, unworldly beauty. Traces of the past are left in the place name which is called "Marae embankment". So, It cast people's minds back Seodong who sold 'Ma'.
Other similar festival: Muan Lutus Festival,^[24] Iksan Seodong Festival ^[25]
Special activity or things you can do: You can participate in painting festival of large flowers and sketching competitions. In addition, this event tried to recapture the ceremonial walk of the king. You can enjoy the fusion of traditional music performances and a gala concert of musical Seodongyo
Official Homepage: http://www.buyeotour.net/

Boryeong Mud festival

Korea-Boryeong Mud Festival-02

Region / Traffic: Around Daechon beach in Boryong, Chungchongnam-do ^[26]
Date (Schedule): 7/19~7/28
History: Boryeong Mud Festival was held for the first time in 1998 when mud cosmetics development in 1996. Boryeong mud has become more famous for Boryeong Mud festival and domestic production of mud raw material.
Other similar festival: Nonpul Mud Festival ^[27]
Special activity or things you can do: The festival is divided into opening ceremony, planning events (mud, mud cosmetics), and experience event. Experience event is the most primary concern. You can play mud game, obstale race, and so on.
Official Homepage : http://www.mudfestival.or.kr/

North Chungcheong Province

Cheongpungho Cherry Blossoms Festival

Region / Traffic: Around Cheongpungho, Jecheon, Chungbuk ^[28]
Date (Schedule): 4/19~4/21
History: This is historied festival which started 17 years ago. In 2008, Jecheon city was changed this festival's name 'to Chonpunho Cherry Blossom Festival' for dissemination of the 'Chonpunho name restoration campaign'.
Other similar Festival: Yeouido Spring Flower Festival ^[29]
Special activity or things you can do: During the festival, traditional markets are held. You can experience some local cuisine. Also, agricultural special product exhibition and sale events are held. It is possible that there are an early performance event, experience events, the exhibition event, and also experience events performances of Chinese arts team, and dance parade in the world.
Official Homepage: http://tour.okjc.net/main/contents/contentsMain.do?menuNo=1483

Sobaek Mountain Loyal Azalea Festival

Region / Traffic: Around Sobaek Mountain, Namhan riverside ^[30]
Date (Schedule): 5/29~6/2
History: This festival was started in 1983 In order to heal the sick mind of residents by Chungju dam construction and for Danyang's prosperity as loyal azalea. One year, two years after, Sobaek Mountain Loyal Azalea Festival, has solidified the facts can hold festival of longer, various events and more period.
Other similar festival: Gunpo Loyal Azalea Festival,^[31] Hwangmae Mountain Loyal Azalea Festival ^[32]
Special activity or things you can do: You can enjoy the riverside concert, musical, and circus. Also, you can go hiking with popular people. You will experience observation of the stars, and see a beauty contest.
Official Homepage: http://sobaeksan.or.kr/home/

Gangwon Province

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival^[33]

Region / Traffic: Hwacheoncheon site at Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do and other 5 eup and myeon
Date (Schedule): January 5 (Saturday) 2012 ~ January 27 (Sunday) (23days)
History: Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is opened in every January under the slogan of “Unfrozen Hearts, Unforgettable Memories” at Hwacheon that has geographical feature of the fastest ice freezing in the country because of cold valley wind and clean water.
Other similar festival: Jiokbae Water Festival
Special Activity or Things you can do:

Sancheoneo Experience Program Go ice fishing – you need to catch at least one Sancheoneo. It is an elegant fish underneath the ice in comparison to the other fishes due to moderate size and beautiful shape. Sancheoneo is hard to catch as it is rare but everyone can catch one or two Sancheoneo at Hwacheon with somewhat good luck and knack since 32 or 3 tons of fresh Sancheoneo are stocked at fishing place every day for visitors for Sancheoneo festival. It is the reason why a child without fishing experience is indulged in Sancheoneo ice fishing. Hwacheoncheon (stream), with eleven thousand ice holes for ice fishing on perfectly frozen ice, clean water at a depth of about 2 meters, so you can find Sancheoneo that are swimming beneath the ice. Hearing shouts of joy saying, “I caught it!” here and there, many people put their heads near to the ice and shake hands up and down eagerly. Reserved fishing places are better than the spot fishing places if you want to catch more Sancheoneo. One of the knacks is not be stuck on one fishing spot, as swimming patterns of grouped Sancheoneo may be changed in accordance with time due to Sancheoneo property.

Snow and Ice Experience Program called “Let's be a friend of Eolgomi” Enjoy every plays for winter, when coming to Hwacheon. The experience would be unforgettable precious memories. Fully enjoying Sancheoneo festival with all the winter plays! All the winter plays are prepared, including ice sled rushing out by slipping along over the ice, snow sledding is not boring even in playing all day long, ice soccer for families, mink ice hockey, most popular bobsleigh, ice skating ground, Eolgomi castle made of ice tunnel and snow, snowman photo zone, Sancheoneo culture village operated with a smoked Sancheoneo experience program, and cross country that was introduced in 2013.

Culture and Event Program Sancheoneo festival is enjoyable at night, too. Street lights keep the night in the city but Sancheoneo keep the night in Hwacheon. Stars become street lights in the sky and hundreds of Sancheoneo lamps shed light on the way to a fantastic atmosphere and attract people. Snow castle and snow sculptures at day also light up winter night with beautiful lights. People who enjoyed fully at day can have warm hearts at the night of Hwacheon.

The concert, held Saturday night, would be the space to show your hidden passion.

Official Homepage http://www.narafestival.com/01_icenara_2013/

Jokbae Festival

Region / Traffic: Bungoseom island and 5 Villages in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do
Date (Schedule): July 28(Sat) ~ August 12(Sun), 2011
History : There was a ferry called Namgang-Naru, a shipping route for salts between Incheon and Hwacheon during Koryo Dynasty (918~1392), although water routes are not available due to dams. Nobody remembers the ferry and the boats in Hwacheon at past any more. Jjokbae Water Festival has started to reproduce the images of boats used in shipping salts at past since 2003. The festivity is last between end of July to early August every year with various programs such as Creative Jjokbae Building Contest, Valley hiking, Farm-stay for families and about 30 different programs.
Other similar festival: Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
Special activity or things you can do:

Main Events Water-related programs, Creative Jjokbae Building Contest, Camping for campers, Valley hiking, Farm-stay for families.

Creative Jjokbae Building Contest The Jjokbae Building Contest is the biggest event of this summer festival. It has no limit on the size or design, the raft can carry more than one person. However, the use of petroleum by-products (i.e. polystyrene foams) is not allowed to keep up the spirit of “protecting environment”. The rafts must sail manually and carry more than one person who directly participate in designing and building a raft during the festival. The participants make the contest more enjoyable with their unique costumes and creative boat-designs showing off during the water parade. To make the contest more fun, all participants are encouraged to prepare an item to reflect each year's theme. The participants who do not live in Hwacheon can make their rafts on the designated site in the venue. Participants can register online for the contest on the official website. All rights of the winning rafts are reserved to Hwacheon-gun.

Camping for campers Campers can stay in the special camping lot for summer at reasonable price. Hwacheon stream is next the camping lot and offers beautiful outdoor scenes. Bring your family and friends, mingle with Mother Nature, and have fun!

Valley hiking and Farm-stay for family Valley hiking and Farm-stay for families throughout the festival in 5 villages are also available. The programs depend on the villages. They prepare many different programs like fishing by hand, summer harvest experience and so on. You can fully enjoy the Korean style ecotourism.

Official Homepage http://www.narafestival.com/01_icenara_2013/

South Gyeongsang Province

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival
Region / Traffic : Around Namgang, Jinju-si ^[34]
Date (Schedule): 10/1~10/13
History: In October, 1592, when General Kim Simin with his 3800 men killed 20,000 Japanese troops, heightening national pride, the lanterns were used not only as military signals but also communicative methods between soldiers and their families. In the second attack in June, 1593, 70000 citizens, officials and soldiers were killed, and after it, they began to float the lanterns of the river during Gaecheon Art Festival as a service for repose of the deceased and peace and prosperity of homes and nation. Reflecting the long history of Jinju, Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival has settled as the symbol of royalty and wishing.
Other similar festival: Seoul Lotus lantern Festival ^[35]
Special activity or things you can do: This festival consist of many events. You can hang wishing lanterns, and float lanterns on the river. This festival exhibits traditional folk crafts and creative lanterns. Also, you can board a pleasure ship, see fireworks on river, experience Jinju tradition food, and more.
Official Homepage: http://www.yudeung.com/
Jinhae Gunhang Festival
Jinhae International Military Band Festival 2007-03
Region / Traffic: Around Jungwon rotary, Jinhae-gu area ^[36]
Date (Schedule): 4/1~4/10
History: Changwon-si has held this festival from 1963. The name is derived from 1952, it holds a memorial service stand to Bokwonro Rotary statue of Chungmugong Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and Naval Port Festival is compound word of the harbor and the naval base, but this festival's main attraction is cherry blossoms. In early spring, Jinhae is surrounded by cherry blossom flowers.
Other similar festival: Gyeongju Cherry Blossoms Festival ^[37]
Special activity or things you can do: This festival held in many areas. In Jungwon Rotary, you can see the fringe performance, pop festival. In Jinhae Public Stadium, you can see Military Band & Guard of Honor Festival. In Jinhae Civil Center, you can see some Member Exhibitions, Competitions. And there are competitions, public opening of military bases, guerilla performances.
Official Homepage : http://gunhang.changwon.go.kr/2013/main.jsp
Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival
Region / Traffic: Around Hwagae-myeon, Akyang-myeon, Hadong-gun ^[38]
Date (Schedule) : 5/17~5/19
History: Hadong is Korea's leading producer of green tea. Hadong Wild Tea came from China to Silla in 828 A.D. Over a few hundred years, Hadong wild tea was praised for this excellence. This place can produce high quality Hadong green tea because it has many gravels, a good waterway, fertile land, a high mountain, deep valleys, many large and small rivers including Sumjin River, large difference temperature during harvestion time, and much fog. All these reasons add up to make the best quality.
Other similar festival: Bosung Green Tea Festival ^[39]
Special activity or things you can do: This festival consists of three major events (Sumjin River Moonlight Tea Event, Korea Tea Lover Festival, and Boeun tea meeting). It holds many experiences, for example, making coffee, pottery making, foot bath, massage, nail art, and walking tour. Also, it holds some performance events, such as, Green tea show, symposium, and concert. Also, you can see some exhibition programs (tea cafe, tea market).
Official Homepage: http://festival.hadong.go.kr/main/index.html

North Gyeongsang Province

Cheongdo Cow Fight Festival

Region / Traffic: Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province
Date (Schedule): From 17 April to 21 April. (It can be changed every year)
History: Originally it was started from 1970's as a traditional play in South Korea. During '80s and '90s it was held between mania who live in North Gyeongsang Province. Finally in 1999 this festival was held as a large, national festival. From that time this festival was held every single year and many people who live in Korea or stay in Korea took part in this festival.
Other similar festival: No same theme of this festivals are here. However, Seoul Horse Racing Festival is also great festival with animals.
Special activity or things you can do:
Official Homepage: http://www.xn--hq1bj5xh5aw0hv6i.kr/

South Jeolla Province

Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival

Region / Traffic: Attendants can access to this place via their car, ktx, bus or even airplane.
Date (Schedule): March 23~31 (9days)
History: It was first held in 1997.
Other similar festival:
Photo:
Special activity or things you can do:
Official Homepage: http://www.gwangyang.go.kr/gymaehwa/

North Jeolla Province

Jeonju International Film Festival

Region / Traffic: Opening/Closing Ceremonies at Moak Hall, Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do. Theater at Megabox Jeonju, CGV Jeonju, Jeonju Cinema Town, Jeonju Digital Independent Cinema, Chonbuk National University Cultural Center
Date (Schedule): 25 April (Thu) ~ 3 May (Fri), 2013, for 9 days
History:
Other similar Festival: BUSAN International Film Festival
Special activity or things you can do: Project Market which is help amateur film makers also held in near at the festival site.
Official Homepage: http://www.jiff.or.kr

Jeonju International Sori Festival

Region / Traffic: (561-857) 31, Sori-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do
Date (Schedule): October 2 to October 6
History: Chosen by the British World Music Magazine Songlines as one of 25 of the Best World Music Festivals and established in 2001, since 2011 extended to world music.

Pansori (or Sori) is one of the traditional Korean music forms. A sori artist (sorikkun) sings and narrates a long story with diverse gestures for at least three hours and up to six hours with the accompaniment of a drummer on a mat in a yard or on a stage with up a folding screen. It was designated as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in November, 2011 by UNESCO. Thanks to Pansori, Jeollabuk-do cherishes the unparalleled cultural status and tradition, and it has been recognized as the mecca of Pansori. In every nook and corner of Jeollabuk-do, the stories of sori masters, who were the most powerful of their days, have been handed down like great legends, and their lives and artistic souls were much more dramatic and tougher than the stories of narratives they sang. There's a saying that "it's much more difficult to be a myeongchang (sori master) than to be the prime minister". Thus, myeongchangs enjoy supreme authority and honor, but, to reach the highest status, they have to endure a great deal of ordeals and hardships. For a sorikkun to sing and narrate a long story equal to a volume of a novel, with songs, gestures, facial expression and various performances, is very similar to a performer performing an opera by oneself. If the performance was not supported by the sorikkun's various sori and performance exactly, Pansori would not be able to get as much love from its audience as it does today. It is a very peculiar and even miraculous experience to appreciate a Pansori, a piece of opera, sung by only one sorikkun so closely. The Jeonju Int'l Sori Festival provides English captions for foreigners to understand and appreciate the Pansori performance easily. If foreigners want to see Koreans' feelings or sensitivity, and lives more deeply, and further experience Koreans' high artistic level, Pansori will be the first choice to experience this. Also, to experience the original forms of various traditional music including Korean instrumental music, dance, and other kinds of performances with Pansori, as well as how they have changed in modern times and how they will be developed in the future, the Jeonju Int'l Sori Festival has become an essential tourist attraction.

Other similar festival: This festival is first festival for Korean traditional music festival.
Official Homepage: http://www.sorifestival.com/

Muju Firefly festival

Region / Traffic: Muju County

(Wisteria stage (special stage), Firefly gym, Arts & Sports Center, Kim Hwan-Tae Cultural Center & Choi Buk Art Center, Traditional crafts shop, Health experiencing center, Jinam Park, Namdaecheon Stream, Firefly Land (astronomical science center), firefly habitat)

Date (Schedule): 2013.06.01 - 06.09
History: The firefly is barometre of clean nature^[40] so in these days we have to focus on our dirty environment and move to make clean it. This is the reason for the festival.
Other similar festival: Opening & closing ceremony, Culture & Arts Event, Folk Culture Experience Program, Environmental Exploration, Experience-based Event, Permanent Event etc.
Special activity or things you can do: Attendants can watch firefly in real nature not artificial space.
Official Homepage: http://www.firefly.or.kr/main.html

Jeju Province

Seongsan Sunrise Festival

Region / Traffic: Seongsan, Jeju Island.
Date (Schedule): Every end day of the year.
History: Seongsan is the place where one of the famous watch site for sunrise in South Korea. Its beautiful scenery was written in book of Goryeo era.^[41] And lots of visitors hike this small mountain to watch a sunrise everyday. In this reason, Jeju province make festival for visitors who want see first sunrise of the year.
Other similar festival: Hae-mazi (welcoming sunrise) festival in Busan^[42] Yeosu Hyangilam sunrise festival ^[43]
Special activity or things you can do: Attendants can watch sunrise and make a wish to sun.